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Tom Thumb — Lettuce | DarkGrow Seed Bank

Name: Tom Thumb
Brand: DarkGrow Seed Bank

45-55days to harvest

7-14days to germinate

Z2–11USDA zones

Easydifficulty

HeirloomContainer friendly

Sowing

Direct sow 1/4 inch deep in spring and fall. Perfect for succession planting every 2 weeks. Can grow year-round in mild climates.

Cultivation

Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6+ hours)
Water: 3/4 inch per week, light but consistent moisture
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with good moisture retention
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
Spacing: 4-6 inches
Height: 6-12 inches
Season: Cool season

Appearance & flavour

Colour: Light green with yellow-green hearts
Size: 2-3 inch diameter heads, tennis ball sized
Shape: Compact, round butterhead with tightly folded leaves
Flavour: Sweet, buttery, and tender with mild lettuce flavor

In the kitchen

Individual salad portions, garnish, appetizer cups, children's gardens. Harvest whole heads or individual leaves.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests: Aphids, flea beetles, slugs, snails
Diseases: Downy mildew, bottom rot, tipburn in extreme heat
Resistance: Good heat tolerance for butterhead type, moderate disease resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Zone	Start indoors	Transplant	Direct sow	Harvest
1	—	—	June – July	July – September
2	—	—	May – July	July – September
3	—	—	May – June	June – October
4	—	—	April – June	June – October
5	—	—	April – May	June – November
6	—	—	April – May	May – November
7	—	—	March – May	May – November
8	—	—	March – April	April – December
9	—	—	February – March	March – December
10	—	—	January – March	March – December
11	—	—	January – February	February – December
12	—	—	January – February	February – December
13	—	—	January – February	February – December

Companion planting

16 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 6 to avoid.

ChivesRepels aphids and other soft-bodied insects that commonly attack lettuce

RadishesQuick-growing radishes help break up soil and can be harvested before lettuce needs the space

CarrotsDeep taproot doesn't compete with shallow lettuce roots and helps aerate soil

MarigoldsNatural pest deterrent that repels nematodes and various garden pests

SpinachSimilar growing requirements and both benefit from partial shade in hot weather

GarlicDeters aphids, slugs, and other pests while improving soil health

NasturtiumsActs as trap crop for aphids and adds natural pest control

PeasNitrogen-fixing legume enriches soil and provides natural shade for cool-season lettuce

CarrotsLoosen soil for pea roots and don't compete for space since peas climb

RadishesBreak up compacted soil and mature quickly before peas need full space

LettuceGrows in pea shade and has shallow roots that don't compete

SpinachCool-season crop that benefits from nitrogen fixed by pea roots

MarigoldsRepel aphids and other pests that commonly attack peas

ChivesDeter aphids and other soft-bodied insects with their strong scent

MintRepels ants and rodents that may eat pea seeds and pods

NasturtiumsTrap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, protecting peas

Avoid

SunflowersAllelopathic compounds inhibit lettuce germination and growth

BroccoliHeavy feeder that competes for nutrients and can overshadow small lettuce plants

Walnut treesProduce juglone, a natural herbicide toxic to lettuce and many other plants

OnionsCan inhibit pea growth and nitrogen fixation by beneficial bacteria

GarlicAllelopathic compounds may stunt pea growth and reduce yields

GladiolusCompetes heavily for nutrients and may harbor thrips that damage pea pods

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g): 81
Protein (g): 5.42
Fat (g): 0.4
Carbohydrate (g): 14.4
Fibre (g): 5.7
Sugars (g): 5.67
Vitamin A (µg): 38
Vitamin C (mg): 40
Vitamin E (mg): 0.13
Vitamin K (µg): 24.8
Vitamin B6 (mg): 0.169
Folate (µg): 65
Calcium (mg): 25
Iron (mg): 1.47
Magnesium (mg): 33
Phosphorus (mg): 108
Potassium (mg): 244
Zinc (mg): 1.24
Selenium (µg): 1.8

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Where to buy seed and equipment

Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the lettuce growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

Tom Thumb

Sowing

Cultivation

Appearance & flavour

In the kitchen

Pests, disease & resistance

Planting calendar by USDA zone

Companion planting

Avoid

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Where to buy seed and equipment

Grown Tom Thumb?

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